reminded us of what we already knew concerning the greatness of thy benevolence and the excellence of thy advice. Now, therefore, let no desire have place in thy breast without making it known to us, that we may accomplish it for thee, and that elHajjâj-abu-Muhammad's praise of thee may not have been in vain."

So Ibrahîm answered, "O Commander of the Faithful! I will make known what I desire for the well-pleasing of the Most High, and union with the Prophet at the Day of Judgment, and sincere advising of the Commander of the Faithful."

"I cannot reveal it," answered Ibrahîm, "if there be present another beside thee and me."

"Not even thy friend el-Hajjâj?" asked 'Abd-elMálik.

"No," said Ibrahîm.

"Leave us," said 'Abd-el-Mâlik to el-Hajjâj.

And

the latter went out, reddening with anger, and not knowing whither he walked. And when he was gone 'Abd-el-Málik said, "Declare thy advice."

Then Ibrahîm began: "O Commander of the Faithful! Thou-knowing of his tyranny, and

cruelty, and oppression, and neglect of right and following after wrong-hast appointed el-Hajjâj as ruler over the two sacred and holy cities; and dwelling therein, as thou art aware, are certain of the children of the Muhajarîn, and of the Ansâry,* and the Associatest of the Prophet of Allâh. Hajjaj subjects them to degradation, and through

And el

And

his cruelty causes them to desert their country. would to God I knew what reply thou couldst make to the Messenger of Allâh when in the Halls of Judgment he has asked thee concerning this. And by Allâh! O Commander of the Faithful! upon thy head be it, if thou deposest him not, nor layest up for thyself proximity to the Most High."

The Muhajarîn, or refugees, were those Mekkans who in the early days of el-Islám fled from their home on account of their religion. The Ansâry, or assistants, (see Note*, p. 137) were those who received the Prophet at el-Medînah. At the end of the first year of the Hijrah, the Prophet, in order to attach both these bodies more closely to his interests, and also to prevent rivalry as to priority of belief, and consequent consideration, between them, established a fraternity among them, the principal maxim of which society was that they should not only treat one another like brethren, but also most cordially love and cherish one another to the utmost of their power. And lest even this should prove an insufficient bond, he also coupled in a loving union the individuals of either party.

† See Note +, Author's Preface, p. 3.

Then said 'Abd-el-Málik, "Verily el-Hajjâj thought well of thee without thy deserving it.” And a moment afterwards he added, "Rise, O Ibrahîm !"

So I, Ibrahîm, rose with a troubled mind and left the council-chamber, and verily the world appeared black in my sight. And the Chamberlain followed me and laid hold of my elbow, and sat down with me in the entrance. Then 'Abd-el-Málik sent for el-Hajjâj, who went in and remained a long while. And I had no doubt but that they were plotting my death between themselves. Presently the Amîr summoned me. So I got up, and as I went in I met el-Hajjâj coming away, who embraced me and cried, "May Allâh reward thee on my account by reason of this advice! Surely, by Allâh! if I live I will indeed increase thy power." Then he turned from me and went out. And I entered, saying to myself, "He is mocking me, and with good reason." And I stood before 'Abd-el-Málik, who made me sit in the place I had occupied before, and then said to me:

Verily I have discovered thy sincerity, and I have deposed him from governing the two holy cities, and have appointed him ruler over 'Irâk,* giving him to

* For 'Irâk, see Prefatory Note, p. 31.

understand that thou deemedst the Hijáz too small for him, and didst demand 'Irâk for him, and that the increase of his government was thy wish. And he believes that his appointment as ruler of 'Irâk is thy doing, and verily this thought has made his countenance radiant with joy. Journey therefore with him wherever he may go. May good attend

thee! and do not deprive us of thy advice."

ALLÂH IS ALL-KNOWING! *

* These words are used when the narrator does not vouch

for the truth of a tale, but relates it as he has heard it.

ANECDOTE OF THE PLAIN-SPOKEN ARAB.

IT

T is said, that one day el-Hajjâj separated himself from his guards, and falling in with an Arab, asked him, "O chief of the Arabs! what about el-Hajjâj?” To which the man replied, "He is tyrannical and capricious." "Have you complained of him to 'Abd-el-Málik-ibn-Marwân?" asked el-Hajjâj. "He is more tyrannical and more capricious,” replied the Arab. "May the curse of Allâh be upon them both!"

Now whilst this was going on, behold, the soldiers rejoined him. Then, the Arab becoming aware that it was el-Hajjâj himself, cried out, "O Prince! divulge the secret which is between me and thee to none save Allâh." Whereupon el-Hajjâj laughed, and on departing gave liberally to him.